This text is part of the special Energy Transition section
While Quebec plans to completely decarbonize its electricity by 2050, several researchers are working to find innovative solutions for energy transition. But these initiatives are counterproductive if they do not find commercial outlets. Hence the importance of forging links between researchers and businesses.
Far from being limited to the electrification of vehicles, innovation in energy transition affects several areas, explains Thierry St-Cyr, CEO of InnovÉÉ. This organization is part of the Sectoral Industrial Research Groups, and its mission is to support collaborative research projects in the electric power industry.
Current work also looks at the generation, transmission, distribution and efficient use of electricity. “In the growing trends, we see the battery sector,” he cites as an example. Beyond transport, it plays an increasingly important role in the management of autonomous, isolated, intelligent networks, peak management, power demands, etc. »
Furthermore, some initiatives are also attempting a circular economy approach aimed at reusing batteries for other functions after their initial use. “Projects are already trying to think about ways in which all this can be done while optimizing resources,” he says.
These discoveries are mainly intended to decarbonize industries and the Quebec economy, argues Mr. St-Cyr. “For us, electrifying our economy means directly enriching ourselves. These are dollars that no longer leave the country,” he emphasizes.
The new advances will also make it possible to meet the challenges of peak periods on the electricity network. “For Quebecers, consuming on a Wednesday in February at 6:30 p.m. or on a Saturday in June at 2 a.m. is an equivalent cost. But for Hydro-Québec, it’s not at all the same cost, it’s not comparable,” he says. While managing the peak involves changing certain behaviors of network users, it could also be improved by developing technologies, he says.
Partnerships between scientists and businesses
In order to support researchers and help them commercialize their innovations, several organizations exist. This is particularly the case of InnovÉÉ, but also of Pôle MEDEE, a company based in Lille, France, which supports initiatives both in Europe and in Africa. “We don’t just work in isolation with academics and businesses,” explains Nina Pona, project manager at Pôle MEDEE. Sometimes, we turn to structures such as associations and communities. » Thus, its organization facilitates the search for financing and the labeling of discoveries.
Closer to home, Écotech Québec helps players in the energy sector make the link between what is created and its potential commercial interest. “Because if an innovation is developed but it does not meet a need, it will reach an extremely delicate position in the commercialization phase,” specifies Isabelle Dubé-Côté, president and CEO of Écotech Québec. She highlights the importance of knowing the expectations of a market when designing technology.
In partnership with Finance Mont-réal and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Écotech is working to develop a map of the financing available for businesses and clean energy projects. “We really want to understand how the Quebec ecosystem is present from the beginning to commercialization,” explains M.me Dubé-Côté.
“Often, the missing link is a demonstration, a first customer, a first user. And that’s what we’re looking at,” adds Mr. St-Cyr.
Collaborate to innovate better
In order to stimulate research off the beaten track, the CEO of InnovÉÉ believes that public authorities have a role to play in the emergence of innovative technologies. “If, in their calls for tenders, they limit themselves to the rule of the lowest bidder, it is difficult to create innovation. And innovations, in the medium and long term, will be less costly and will ultimately generate savings. »
For the President and CEO of Écotech Québec, innovation requires collaboration with different partners, here and abroad. “We work with incubators, accelerators, innovation zones, universities and different organizations to align everything with the needs of tomorrow,” she says.
Industry and researchers are complementary, Nina Pona also believes. “Academics are always one step ahead [en découvertes scientifiques] when manufacturers don’t necessarily have the time to look into it. But companies will have this contribution in terms of economic viability and deployment on a larger scale,” says the one for whom partnerships between the two are essential for lasting initiatives. “One without the other is sometimes very complicated,” she says. We have researchers who do good projects, but who do not have the opportunity to put them into practice in real situations. And companies allow them to test their hypotheses and go further. »
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